Differentiation of Ca2+ pumps linked to plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum in the microsomal fraction from intestinal smooth muscle

Caloxin-derived peptides for the inhibition of plasma membrane calcium ATPases

Plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) are a family of transmembrane proteins responsible for the extrusion of cytosolic Ca²⁺ to the extracellular milieu. They are important players of the calcium homeostasis possibly implicated in some important diseases. The reference inhibitors of PMCA extruding activity are on one hand ortho-vanadate (IC₅₀ in the 30 mM range), and on the other a series of 12- to 20-mer peptides named caloxins (IC₅₀ in the 100 µM scale). As for all integral membrane proteins, biochemistry and pharmacology are difficult to study on isolated and/or purified proteins. Using a series of reference blockers, we assessed a pharmacological window with which we could study the functionality of PMCAs in living cells. Using this system, we screened for alternative versions of caloxins, aiming at shortening the peptide backbone, introducing non-natural amino acids, and overall trying to get a glimpse at the structure-activity relationship between those new peptides and the protein in a cellular context. We describe a short series of equipotent 5-residue long analogues with IC₅₀ in the low µM range.

Calcium entry blockade and excitation contraction coupling in the cardiovascular system (with an attempt of pharmacological classification)

Calcium may be considered as the final intracellular messenger of excitation-contraction coupling. In this report the main mechanisms involved in the cellular regulation of calcium movements are reviewed. Most of the pharmacological agents actually available for therapy interfere with the processes responsible for increase in cytoplasmic activator calcium. Study of the relation between contraction and calcium movements shows that blockade of calcium entry may cause inhibition of contraction. This has allowed to illustrate some of the characteristics of calcium channels in smooth muscle. Potential-operated channels are activated by changes in membrane potential, that can be evoked by K-rich solutions. They are completely blocked by calcium antagonistic dihydropyridines and diphenylpiperazines. This blockade shows (time-)-use-dependence. They are opened by calcium agonistic dihydropyridines. Receptor-operated channels are activated by the interaction of an agonist with its receptors; they are incompletely blocked by calcium antagonistic dihydropyridines and diphenylpiperazines. Endothelium appears to modulate the response of the adjacent smooth muscle to vasoconstrictors. This may be accounted for by modulation of calcium metabolism, both at the level of membrane channels and of intracellular stores. As a consequence, endothelium modulates the action of calcium entry blockers. Study of isolated human tissues illustrates difference in drug sensitivity between cardiac and smooth muscle. Human isolated coronary arteries are sensitive to nifedipine concentrations found in the blood of patients receiving therapeutic regimen. These concentrations do not alter the contractility of the isolated human myocardium. Differences between drugs may be explained assuming that they may interact with one of the states (closed, open, inactivated) of the Ca channels. This also helps the understanding of tissue selectivity of some compounds. A pharmacological classification of calcium entry blockers may be proposed. This classification is a rationale to differentiate between the various clinical indications of drugs affecting calcium movements.

Calcium signalling in the endothelium

Elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration are the usual initial response of endothelial cells to hormonal and chemical transmitters and to changes in physical parameters, and many endothelial functions are dependent upon changes in Ca2+ signals produced. Endothelial cell Ca2+ signalling shares similar features with other electrically non-excitable cell types, but has features unique to endothelial cells. This chapter discusses the major components of endothelial cell Ca2+ signalling.

The sarcoplasmic reticulum and sarcolemma together form a passive Ca2+ trap in colonic smooth muscle

In smooth muscle, active Ca(2+) uptake into regions of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) which are closely apposed to the sarcolemma has been proposed to substantially limit the increase in the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) following Ca(2+) influx, i.e. the 'superficial buffer barrier hypothesis'. The present study has re-examined this proposal. The results suggest that the SR close to the sarcolemma acts as a passive barrier to Ca(2+) influx limiting [Ca(2+)](c) changes; for this, SR Ca(2+) pump activity is not required. In single voltage-clamped colonic myocytes, sustained opening of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) (and depletion of the SR) using ryanodine increased the amplitude of depolarisation-evoked Ca(2+) transients and accelerated the rate of [Ca(2+)](c) decline following depolarisation. These results could be explained by a reduction in the Ca(2+) buffer power of the cytosol taking place when RyR are opened (i.e. the SR is 'leaky'). Indeed, determination of the Ca(2+) buffer power confirmed it was reduced by approximately 40%. Inhibition of the SR Ca(2+) pump (with thapsigargin) also depleted the SR of Ca(2+) but did not reduce the Ca(2+) buffer power or increase depolarisation-evoked Ca(2+) transients and slowed (rather than accelerated) Ca(2+) removal. However, thapsigargin prevented the ryanodine-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](c) decline following depolarisation. Together, these results suggest that when the SR was rendered 'leaky' (a) more of the Ca(2+) entering the cell reached the bulk cytoplasm and (b) Ca(2+) was removed more quickly at the end of cell activation. Under physiological circumstances in the absence of blocking drugs, it is proposed that the SR limits the [Ca(2+)](c) increase following influx without the need for active Ca(2+) uptake. The SR and sarcolemma may form a passive physical barrier to Ca(2+) influx, a Ca(2+) trap, which limits the [Ca(2+)](c) rise occurring during depolarisation by about 50% and from which the ion only slowly escapes into the main part of the cytoplasm.

The effects of phenothiazines and other calmodulin antagonists on the sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps

The effects of a number of phenothiazines and other calmodulin antagonists on the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were investigated. The drugs used in this study were trifluoperazine, calmidazolium, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine, W-7, and calmodulin-binding peptide. Our results showed that calmidazolium and calmodulin-binding peptide were the most potent inhibitors of skeletal muscle SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (isoform SERCA 1) (IC(50) values of 0.5 and 7 microM, respectively), while W-7 was the least potent inhibitor (IC(50), 125 microM). All of the antagonists had little effect on the cerebellar ER Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (isoform SERCA 2b), except for trifluoperazine, which had a biphasic effect, causing stimulation at low concentrations and inhibition at higher concentrations. Our results suggest that the effects of these calmodulin antagonists are independent of calmodulin and that they inhibit the Ca(2+)-ATPase in an isoform-specific manner. It was found that these antagonists inhibit the skeletal muscle isoform of the Ca(2+) pump by altering the Ca(2+) affinity and the associated Ca(2+)-binding steps, as well as possibly stabilising the E1 conformational state of the enzyme.

The spasmogenic effects of vanadate in human isolated bronchus

1. Inhalation of vanadium compounds, particularly vanadate, is a cause of occupational bronchial asthma. We have now studied the action of vanadate on human isolated bronchus. Vanadate (0.1 microM-3 mM) produced concentration-dependent, well-sustained contraction. Its -logEC50 was 3.74 +/- 0.05 (mean +/- s.e.mean) and its maximal effect was equivalent to 97.5 +/- 4.2% of the response to acetylcholine (ACh, 1 mM). 2. Vanadate (200 microM)-induced contraction of human bronchus was epithelium-independent and was not inhibited by indomethacin (2.8 microM), zileuton (10 microM), a mixture of atropine, mepyramine and phentolamine (each at 1 microM), or by mast cell degranulation with compound 48/80. 3. Vanadate (200 microM)-induced contraction was unaltered by tissue exposure to verapamil or nifedipine (each 1 microM) or to a Ca2+-free, EGTA (0.1 mM)-containing physiological salt solution (PSS). However, tissue incubation with ryanodine (10 microM) in Ca2+-free, EGTA (0.1 mM)-containing PSS reduced vanadate-induced contraction. A series of vanadate challenges was made in tissues exposed to Ca2+-free EGTA (0.1 mM)-containing PSS with the object of depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores. In such tissues cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; 10 microM) prevented Ca2+-induced recovery of vanadate-induced contraction. 4. Tissue incubation in K+-rich (80 mM) PSS, K+-free PSS, or PSS containing ouabain (10 microM) did not alter vanadate (200 microM)-induced contraction. Ouabain (10 microM) abolished the K+-induced relaxation of human bronchus bathed in K+-free PSS. This action was not shared by vanadate (200 microM). The tissue content of Na+ was increased and the tissue content of K+ was decreased by ouabain (10 microM). In contrast, vanadate (200 microM) did not alter the tissue content of these ions. Tissue incubation in a Na+-deficient (25 mM) PSS or in PSS containing amiloride (0.1 mM) markedly inhibited the spasmogenic effect of vanadate (200 microM). 5. Vanadate (200 microM)-induced contractions were markedly reduced by tissue treatment with each of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors H-7 (10 microM), staurosporine (1 microM) and calphostin C (1 microM). Genistein (100 microM), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, also reduced the response to vanadate. 6 Vanadate (0.1-3 mM) and ACh (1 microM- 3 mM) each increased inositol phosphate accumulation in bronchus. Such responses were unaffected by a Ca2+-free medium either alone or in combination with ryanodine (10 microM). 7. In human cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells, histamine (100 microM) and vanadate (200 microM) each produced a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). 8. Intracellular microelectrode recording showed that the contractile effect of vanadate (200 microM) in human bronchus was associated with cellular depolarization. 9. It is concluded that vanadate acts directly on human bronchial smooth muscle, promoting the release of Ca2+ from an intracellular store. The Ca2+ release mechanism involves both the production of inositol phosphate second messengers and inhibition of Ca-ATPase. The activation of PKC plays an important role in mediating vanadate-induced contraction at values of [Ca2+]i that are close to basal.

Evidence for the presence of two (Ca(2+)-Mg2+) ATPases with different sensitivities to thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid in the human flatworm Schistosoma mansoni

The subcellular localization of the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activities present in heterogeneous (P1), nuclear (P2), mitochondrial (P3) and microsomal (P4) fractions obtained by differential centrifugation of Schistosoma mansoni homogenate was investigated. In the microsomal fraction (P4), the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activity was completely blocked by 3 microM thapsigargin, whereas in the more heterogeneous fraction (P1), about 20-30% of this activity was resistant to the drug. The same pattern of inhibition was observed using 20 microM cyclopiazonic acid. The distribution pattern of (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activity among the four subcellular fractions (P1 > P4 > > P3 > P2) was completely different from that of [3H]-ouabain binding sites (P1 > or = P4 = P2 > or = P3). These results indicate that the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase in S. mansoni is predominantly of the SERCA type (localized in the endoplasmic reticulum). However, there is another enzyme, present in lower proportion that could have a plasma membrane origin (PMCA type), because it is resistant to thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid and its inhibition by tamoxifen is antagonized by calmodulin.

Comparative localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors in intestinal smooth muscle: an analytical subfractionation study

[3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3- and [3H]ryanodine-binding sites were characterized in membrane fractions from guinea-pig intestinal smooth muscle (longitudinal layer) and their subcellular localization was investigated by analytical cell-fractionation techniques. Fractions collected at low centrifugal fields (N and M fractions) contained predominantly low-affinity [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding sites (KD 80 nM), whereas microsomal (P) fractions contained only high-affinity binding sites (KD 5 nM). Total sedimentable high-affinity binding sites of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 were 9-10-fold more numerous than those of [3H]ryanodine. Both high-affinity binding sites were purified in microsomal fractions, and their sub-microsomal distribution patterns after isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation were similar to those of presumed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) constituents, indicating that Ins(1,4,5)P3 and ryanodine receptors were localized primarily in ER and probably associated with rough as well as smooth ER. However, the stoichiometric ratio of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to ryanodine receptors was distinctly higher in high-density RNA-rich subfractions than in low-density RNA-poor subfractions, suggesting that Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors were somewhat concentrated in the ribosome-coated portions of ER. The low overall stoichiometric ratio of ryanodine to Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors in intestinal smooth muscle (1:9-10) might explain, at least partly, the existence of a Ca(2+)-storage compartment devoid of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, but equipped with Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive channels, in saponin-permeabilized smooth-muscle cells [Iino, Kobayashi and Endo (1988) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 152, 417-422].

Calcium transport by sarcoplasmic reticulum of vascular smooth muscle: II. Effects of calmodulin and calmodulin inhibitors

The role of calmodulin (CaM) in modulating calcium (Ca) uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of vascular smooth muscle was studied in saponin skinned strips of rat caudal artery. Exogenous CaM concentrations ranging from 0.3-1.8 microM did not statistically change the steady state MgATP-dependent Ca content, the MgATP-independent Ca content, or the oxalate-stimulated Ca influx. Calmidazolium (CDZ), W-7, and trifluoperazine (TFP) were used to examine the potential effect of an endogenous CaM pool on inward Ca transport. The IC50 of these antagonists for inhibition of Ca-CaM-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity and Ca-activated superprecipitation of canine aortic actomyosin was measured and found to be in the low micromolar range with a rank order of potency for inhibition of CDZ greater than TFP greater than W-7. In skinned tissues, micromolar concentrations of antagonists that inhibited CaM-mediated reactions in isolated enzyme systems did not reduce Ca content or oxalate-stimulated Ca influx. At higher concentrations of 100-200 microM, the MgATP-dependent Ca content was significantly reduced by TFP and W-7 but not by CDZ. The order of potency for inhibition of Ca uptake was TFP greater than W-7 greater than CDZ. The MgATP-independent Ca content was significantly decreased only by 200 microM TFP. Although none of these inhibitors significantly altered Ca efflux at concentrations up to 100 microM, Ca release was significantly stimulated by all three at 200 microM. The TFP-stimulated Ca release was partially inhibited by ruthenium red. The results indicate that neither exogenous CaM nor an endogenous CaM pool directly modulates inward Ca transport by the SR of saponin skinned caudal artery. The inhibition of Ca uptake produced by hundred micromolar concentrations of CaM antagonists fails to correlate with the order of and with the potency of inhibition measured in isolated enzyme systems. This suggests that the inhibition of Ca uptake produced by high concentrations of these antagonists may be independent of a specific interaction with CaM. The activation of Ca release by high concentrations of CaM antagonists may involve a nonspecific increase in membrane permeability as well as modulation of a membrane Ca channel.

A (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase from Schistosoma mansoni is coupled to an active transport of calcium

The (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activity in microsomes of Schistosoma mansoni is fully inhibited by vanadate (I50 = 2.5 microM). 45Ca2+ is accumulated within microsomal vesicles in an ATP-dependent process that is enhanced 5-fold in the presence of 40 mM phosphate. Accumulated 45Ca2+ is rapidly released by 5 microM of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (t1/2 less than or equal to 6 s). (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activity and Ca2+ uptake share the same subcellular distribution pattern and similar Ca2+ sensitivities (K0.5 = 0.39 microM and 0.15 microM, respectively). The substrate selectivity is high for both ATPase activity and Ca2+ transport. These results indicate the presence of an active transport of Ca2+ coupled to the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)ATPase activity previously described in this parasite. A plasma membrane localization and physiological role in calcium homeostasis are suggested.

Large-scale purification of calf pancreatic zymogen granule membranes

A protocol for isolating milligram quantities of highly purified zymogen granule membranes from calf pancreas was developed. The method provides a fivefold enriched zymogen granule fraction that is virtually free from major isodense contaminants, such as mitochondria and erythrocytes. Isolated granules are osmotically stable in isosmotic KCl buffers with half-lives between 90 and 120 min. They display specific ion permeabilities that can be demonstrated using ionophore probes to override intrinsic control mechanisms. A Cl- conductance, a Cl-/anion exchanger, and a K+ conductance are found in the zymogen granule membrane, as previously reported for rat pancreatic, rat parotid zymogen granules, and rabbit pepsinogen granules. Lysis of calf pancreatic secretory granules in hypotonic buffers and subsequent isolation of pure zymogen granule membranes yield about 5-10 mg membrane protein from approximately 1000 ml pancreas homogenate. The purified zymogen granule membranes are a putative candidate for the rapid identification and purification of epithelial Cl- channels and regulatory proteins, since they contain fewer proteins than plasma membranes.

The relaxation and Ca-pump inhibition in mesenteric artery of normotensive and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

The influences of low temperature and vanadate, both of which have been known to inhibit the Ca-pump activity of membranous systems of smooth muscle cells, on the relaxation of mesenteric artery of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied. Relaxation was induced by the removal of extracellular Ca in high-K-depolarized preparations, so that the involvement of receptor kinetics and changes in membrane potential could be excluded. Relaxation was significantly slower in the preparation from SHRSP than in that from SHRSP. Low temperature prolonged relaxation in preparations from both SHRSP and WKY. No difference in the effect of low temperature was observed between the preparations, which showed Q10 values between 2.8 and 3.5 for 50 and 80% relaxation time. Sodium vanadate also prolonged the time course of relaxation in both preparations. No difference in the effect of sodium vanadate was observed between the preparations from WKY and SHRSP. These results suggest that Ca-pump activity is involved in the relaxation of K-depolarized smooth muscle of mesenteric arteries from both WKY and SHRSP. However, the difference in the pump activity may not contribute greatly to the difference in the relaxation of K-depolarized preparations by the removal of extracellular Ca.

Abundance of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump isoforms in stomach and cardiac muscles

Rabbit stomach smooth muscle contains mRNA for an internal Ca2+ pump identical in sequence to that reported for rabbit uterus [Lytton, Zarain-Herzberg, Periasamy & MacLennan (198) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 7059-7065]. This is an alternatively spliced form (Is) of the cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump (Ic). The splicing results in replacement of the last 4 amino acids (Ala-Ile-Leu-Glu) present in Ic by 49 amino acids and by a different 3'-non-coding region. Using cDNA probes against the conserved and the alternatively spliced regions, we determined that poly(A+) RNA isolated from rabbit stomach smooth muscle did not contain any transcripts for Ic. The poly(A+) RNA from cardiac muscle contained transcripts mostly for Ic, but also some for Is. The abundance of the Ca2(+)-pump transcripts as measured by the binding of a cDNA probe against the conserved region to poly(A+) RNA was 6-8 times higher in cardiac than in smooth muscle. The amount of the corresponding pump protein, measured using two antibodies, was 60-80 times higher in cardiac membranes than in smooth muscle membranes. Thus the protein-to-transcript level was approx. 10-fold higher in the cardiac muscle. We conclude that the regulation of the abundance of this protein occurs at steps leading to the formation of the mature mRNA for the two splices, which may differ in their translation efficiency.

Glucose inhibits the high-affinity (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in the plasma membrane of a glucose-responsive insulinoma

(Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase enzyme activity of a purified plasma membrane preparation from a glucose responsive rat insulinoma, was characterized as Ca2(+)-dependent dephosphorylation of [gamma-32P]ATP. A high-affinity enzyme with a Km(ATP) ranging from 20 to 30 microM and a Km(Ca2+) of 1 microM was identified. Glucose inhibited this high-affinity enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant inhibition at a concentration between 0 and 5 mM, 50% inhibition at 13.3 mM and 94.5% inhibition at 30 mM. The inhibitory effect of glucose was immediate and rapidly reversible. The effect was stereospecific for the alpha-anomer. These findings support the concept that glucose acts directly at the beta-cell plasma membrane and is involved in the maintenance of elevated intracellular free calcium concentrations associated with insulin release by directly or indirectly inhibiting energy-dependent calcium efflux. Glyceraldehyde (20 mM) increased enzyme activity 3-fold, while other metabolic fuels had no effect. This suggests that inhibition of the enzyme is not an obligatory requirement for insulin release. Calmodulin stimulated the enzyme activity in calmodulin-depleted but not in undepleted membranes. Trifluoperazine (30-100 microM) inhibited (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in a dose-dependent manner (14-61% activity) and the activity was also inhibited by vanadate (0.1-1.0 mM) and NaCl (150 mM).

Calcium and pH in anoxic and toxic injury

The critical events that lead to the transition from reversible to irreversible injury remain unclear. Studies are reviewed that have suggested that a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ initiates plasma membrane bleb formation and a sequence of events that leads ultimately to cell death. In recent studies, we have measured changes in cytosolic free Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytosolic pH, and cell surface blebbing in relation to the onset of irreversible injury and cell death following anoxic and toxic injury to single hepatocytes utilizing multiparameter digitized video microscopy (MDVM). MDVM is an emerging new technology that permits single living cells to be labeled with multiple probes whose fluorescence is responsive to specific cellular parameters of interest. Fluorescence images specific for each probe are collected over time, and then digitized and stored. Image analysis and processing then permits quantitation of the spatial distribution of the various parameters within the single living cells. Our results indicate the following: (1) formation of plasma membrane blebs accompanies all types of injury in hepatocytes; (2) cell death is a rapid event, initiated by rupture of a plasma membrane bleb, and is coincident with the onset of irreversible injury; (3) an increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ is not the stimulus for bleb formation or the final common pathway leading to cell death; (4) a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential precedes loss of cell viability; (5) cytosolic pH falls by more than 1 pH unit during chemical hypoxia. This acidosis protects against the onset of cell death.

The plasma-membrane component is the primary site of action of alloxan on ATP-driven Ca2+ transport in vascular-muscle microsomal fractions

The direct effects of alloxan in vitro on the handling of Ca2+ by microsomal fractions from dog aortic smooth muscle were investigated. Preincubation of the vascular-muscle microsomal membranes with alloxan showed a suppression of both binding of Ca2+ (in the absence of ATP) and ATP-driven Ca2+ transport. Alloxan substantially inhibited the microsomal ATP-driven Ca2+ transport stimulated by Pi, but not that stimulated by oxalate. Studies using subfractions isolated from the microsomal membranes on a sucrose density gradient indicated that plasma membrane is the primary site of action of alloxan on the ATP-driven Ca2+ transport.

Assessment of transport capacity of plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump in smooth muscle

In resting smooth muscle, a variety of Ca2+ extrusion processes offset the inward Ca2+ leak. Biochemical studies suggest that the plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump dominates this process; however, this contention could not be proven without a reliable estimate of the inward Ca2+ leak that must be opposed by active transport. Recent studies using dispersed cells from the toad stomach provided such an estimate; thus we examined the capacity of the plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump in this tissue. Membranes were prepared using nitrogen cavitation, high-salt extraction, and flotation on discontinuous sucrose gradients. These membrane vesicles were enriched 16- to 24-fold for plasma membrane markers and exhibited an ATP-dependent uptake of 45Ca that was insensitive to azide or oxalate but sensitive to orthovanadate inhibition and calmodulin stimulation. 45Ca accumulated in the presence of ATP was rapidly released by Ca2+ ionophore but not by caffeine, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, or GTP. Uptake exhibited a high affinity for Ca2+ (Km 0.2 microM) and a high-transport capacity, producing greater than 12,000-fold gradient for Ca2+ and a transmembrane flux rate greater than that observed in resting smooth muscle cells. Thus this enzyme is capable of maintaining steady-state Ca2+ levels in smooth muscle.

Extra- and intracellular calcium in vanadate-induced contraction of vascular smooth muscle

The effects of extracellular Ca and Ca antagonists on vanadate-induced contractions of vascular smooth muscles of aortae and mesenteric arteries from rabbits, guinea pigs, and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were studied. Vanadate-induced contractions of aortae were greatly diminished by extracellular Ca removal; the size of the remaining contraction was variable. Vanadate-induced contractions of mesenteric arteries, which were only observed in the presence of elevated K, were suppressed by the removal of Ca. Verapamil and nifedipine depressed vanadate-induced contractions of aortae from WKY and SHRSP, whereas they produced no or only slight inhibition of responses in guinea pig and rabbit aortae. Ca uptake into smooth muscle cell increased in the presence of vanadate, but the increase was much less than that induced by high K. In saponin-skinned smooth muscle, vanadate depressed the Ca-induced contraction. It is concluded that the vanadate-induced contraction utilizes both extracellular and intracellularly bound Ca, the relative contribution of which varies from preparation to preparation.

Actions of vanadate on vascular tension and sodium pump activity in cat isolated cerebral and femoral arteries

1. The mechanisms involved in the responses induced by sodium vanadate (Va3 VO4) on cat cerebral and femoral arteries were studied. The possibility that these responses were due to Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition was investigated by measuring the effect of vanadate on [3H]-ouabain binding to arterial membrane fractions, K+-induced vasodilatation and ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake. 2. The vanadium compounds (Na3VO4, VOSO4, VCl3 and O5V3) induced similar, concentration-dependent contractions in each kind of artery, the cerebral vessels being the most sensitive to these compounds. 3. Exposure of the arteries to a low-Na+ (25 mM) solution suppressed the contraction caused by vanadate in femoral but not in cerebral arteries. 4. Vanadate-induced contractions were reduced in Ca2+-free medium but remained unaffected by 3 x 10(-6) M phentolamine, reserpine pretreatment or 3 x 10(-6) M verapamil in both kinds of artery. 5. The addition of 7.5 mM K+ to the arteries immersed in a K+-free solution induced vasodilatation, which was not modified by 10(-3) M vanadate. 6. The consecutive administration of ouabain (10(-4) M) and vanadate (10(-3) M) (or vice versa), or the simultaneous administration of both agents (10(-8) to 10(-3) M) appeared to produce an additive contraction in both types of artery. 7. Vanadate (10(-7) to 10(-3) M) did not displace the [3H]-ouabain binding to arterial membrane fractions of these arteries, whereas 10(-4) M ouabain did. 8. In both kinds of artery, total 86Rb+ uptake was reduced by ouabain (10(-8) to 10(-3) M), in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas it was not modified by vanadate (10(-8)-10(-3) M). 9. These results suggest that vanadate induces contraction in both types of artery by a mechanism unrelated to Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition. Such a mechanism is likely to be related to inhibition of the Ca2-ATPase of the cell membrane and/or the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Effect of vanadate on cooling-induced tension changes in K-depolarized smooth muscles from guinea-pigs

Sodium vanadate reversed cooling-induced relaxation of K-depolarized taenia coli of guinea-pigs but failed to reverse it in the portal vein and uterus. It potentiated cooling-induced contraction of K-depolarized vas deferens and ureter. These effects were not mediated by the inhibition of Na,K-ATPase, but by the inhibition of the Ca-pump.

A new look at uterine muscle contraction

Recent progress in our understanding of uterine smooth muscle contraction is reviewed. We no longer believe that actin-myosin interaction in the myometrium occurs through activation of the thin filament; but it is triggered by calcium-dependent phosphorylation of myosin in the thick filament. Calcium is now thought to originate from both extracellular and intracellular sources. Calcium can enter the cell through either a voltage- or a hormone-controlled calcium channel. The intracellular source of calcium is the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effect of oxytocin in human labor is no longer considered the result of increased circulating oxytocin but rather of increased oxytocin receptors. In contrast, the contractile action of some prostaglandins is related to increased prostaglandin formation at human parturition. The step between hormone binding and cellular action is mediated by second messengers. The uterine-relaxing action of cyclic adenosine monophosphate is now thought to be limited to the inhibition of myosin phosphorylation. Recently discovered second messengers for contraction of the myometrium are phosphoinositides; their turnover causes calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Guanine nucleotides are thought to be modulators of these two second messengers.

ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in brush border membranes of human term placenta

In this communication, an ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was characterized in term human placental brush border membranes. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles greatly diminished uptake activity by 90 per cent, indicating an intravesicular accumulation of Ca2+. Kinetic studies indicate an apparent Km for Ca2+ of 0.22 +/- 0.04 microM and a Vmax of 441 +/- 137 pmoles/min/mg protein at 37 degrees C. The uptake was shown to have an optimum pH between 7.0 and 7.2, and was unaffected by the addition of oxalate, characteristics which are consistent with a plasma membrane origin of uptake. The process was temperature-dependent with a Q10 of 1.11 and was significantly inhibited (50 per cent) by 100 microM concentrations of trifluoperazine and vanadate. The characteristics of placental brush border Ca2+ uptake are similar to those of other Ca2+ uptake systems known to regulate intracellular calcium concentrations. By analogy, we suggest a similar role for this process in the maintenance of the low intracellular Ca2+ levels necessary for placental syncytiotrophoblast viability.

Subcellular distribution of Ca2+ pumping sites in human neutrophils

The distribution of nonmitochondrial Ca2+ pumping sites and the site of action of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3) were studied in subcellular fractions of human neutrophils. In homogenates, two different Ca2+ pools could be observed: a mitochondrial Ca2+ pool and a nonmitochondrial, ATP-dependent, Ins 1,4,5-P3-responsive Ca2+ pool. When the homogenate was separated into microsomes, primary granules, and secondary granules, the nonmitochondrial Ca2+ pumping and the Ins 1,4,5-P3-induced Ca2+ release occurred only in the microsomal fraction. In a gradient developed to separate different microsomal organelles, maximal Ca2+ pumping activity occurred in fractions of low densities. Correlations between Ca2+ uptake and organelle markers were negative for the endoplasmic reticulum (r = -0.49) and positive for plasma membrane (r = 0.47), Golgi (r = 0.62), and endosomes (r = 0.96). Because the Ca2+ pumping organelles in these fractions were insensitive to micromolar vanadate and digitonin treatment, they are unlikely to be plasma membrane vesicles. We conclude first that microsomal fractions of human neutrophils contain organelles that lower the ambient free Ca2+ concentration and respond to Ins 1,4,5-P3. Second, granules are not involved in intracellular Ca2+ regulation in neutrophils. Third, nonendoplasmic reticulum organelles, such as endosomes, Golgi elements, or yet undefined specialized structures, play a major role in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in human neutrophils.

Subcellular distribution of ATP-dependent calcium transport in rat duodenal epithelium

Subcellular fractionation studies were performed to delineate plasma membrane and intracellular membrane populations which might be involved in intracellular Ca2+-homeostasis of rat small intestinal epithelial cells. After a low-speed supernatant fraction had been suspended in 5% sorbitol and subjected to equilibrium centrifugation in a zonal rotor, the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum markers, galactosyltransferase and NADPH-cytochrome -c reductase, were concentrated in a density region designated Window II. The basal-lateral membrane marker (Na+-K+)-ATPase was concentrated in a higher-density region designated Window III. ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport was equally distributed between the two windows. Several membrane populations could be resolved from each window with good recovery of Ca2+-transport activity by a second density gradient centrifugation step. Second density gradient fractions were subjected to counter-current partitioning in an aqueous polymer two-phase system. Basal-lateral membranes, characterized by an 11-fold enrichment of (Na+-K+)-ATPase, contained ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport activity with Vmax = 3.7 nmol/mg per min and Km = 0.5 microM. A major Golgi-derived population exhibited Ca2+-transport activity with Vmax and Km values similar to those of the basal-lateral membranes. One membrane population, presumed to have been derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, contained Ca2+-transport activity with Vmax = 4 nmol/mg per min and Km = 0.5 microM. In addition to demonstrating that ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport activity has a complex distribution within enterocytes, this study raises the possibility that the basolateral plasma membranes might account for a relatively minor portion of the cell's Ca2+-pumping ability.

Evidence for the presence of phospholamban in the endoplasmic reticulum of smooth muscle

In microsomal vesicles isolated from several smooth muscles many polypeptides were phosphorylated by the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. In pig stomach and in rabbit and dog aorta components of Mr 22,000 and 11,000 were identified as forms of phospholamban. These polypeptides were, however, not observed in pig aorta. These phospholamban-like polypeptides presented the same electrophoretic mobility in sodium dodecyl sulphate gels as cardiac phospholamban, and the 22,000 Mr form showed a similar reaction to heat treatment in sodium dodecyl sulphate. Antibodies against purified canine cardiac phospholamban cross-reacted with the 22,000 and 11,000 Mr phosphorylatable polypeptides from smooth muscle membranes. Subcellular fractionation of porcine stomach smooth muscle indicated that phospholamban was present in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and not in the plasma membranes. Phospholamban was also phosphorylated by an endogenous calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and by an endogenous cyclic AMP-dependent kinase. It is concluded that the endoplasmic reticulum of many, but possibly not all, smooth muscles contains phospholamban. However, the physiological role of phospholamban in smooth muscle remains to be established.

Calcium uptake and release by isolated cortices and microsomes from the unfertilized egg of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Isolated cortices from unfertilized sea urchin eggs sequester calcium in an ATP-dependent manner when incubated in a medium containing free calcium levels characteristic of the resting cell (approximately 0.1 microM). This ATP-dependent calcium uptake activity was measured in the presence of 5 mM Na azide to prevent mitochondrial accumulation, was increased by oxalate, and was blocked by 150 microM quercetin and 50 microM vanadate (known inhibitors of calcium uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum). Cortical regions preloaded with 45Ca in the presence of ATP were shown to dramatically increase their rate of calcium efflux upon the addition of (a) the calcium ionophore A23187 (10 microM), (b) trifluoperazine (200 microM), (c) concentrations of free calcium that activated cortical granule exocytosis, and (d) the calcium mobilizing agent inositol trisphosphate. This pool of calcium is most likely sequestered in the portion of the egg's endoplasmic reticulum that remains associated with the cortical region during its isolation. We have developed a method for obtaining a high yield of purified microsomal vesicles from whole eggs. This preparation also demonstrates ATP-dependent calcium sequestering activity which increases in the presence of oxalate and has similar sensitivities to calcium transport inhibitors; however, the isolated microsomal vesicles did not show any detectable release of calcium when exposed to inositol trisphosphate.

The (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-stimulated ATPase of the rat parotid endoplasmic reticulum

A membrane fraction enriched in endoplasmic reticulum was prepared from rat parotid glands by using sucrose-gradient centrifugation. The fraction showed a 10-fold increase in specific activity of NADPH: cytochrome c reductase activity over that of tissue homogenates and minimal contamination with plasma membranes or mitochondria. The endoplasmic reticulum fraction possessed both Mg2+ -stimulated ATPase as well as Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase [( Ca2+ + Mg2+)-stimulated ATPase]activity. The Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase required 2-5 mM-Mg2+ for optimal activity and was stimulated by submicromolar concentrations of free Ca2+. The Km for free Ca2+ was 0.55 microM and the average Vmax. was 60 nmol/min per mg of protein. The Km for ATP was 0.11 mM. Other nucleotides, such as GTP, CTP or ADP, could not substitute for ATP in supporting the Ca2+-activated nucleotidase activity. Increasing the K+ concentration from 0 to 100 mM caused a 2-fold activation of the Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase. Trifluoperazine, W7 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulphonamide] and vanadate inhibited the enzyme. The concentration of trifluoperazine and vanadate required for 50% inhibition of the ATPase were 52 microM and 28 microM respectively. Calmodulin, cyclic AMP, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate had no effect on the ATPase. The properties of the Ca2+, Mg2+ -ATPase were distinct from those of the Mg2+-ATPase, but comparable with those reported for the parotid endoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-transport system [Kanagasuntheram & Teo (1982) Biochem. J. 208, 789-794]. The results suggest that the Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase is responsible for driving the ATP-dependent Ca2+ accumulation by this membrane.

Calcium binding proteins in smooth muscle plasma membrane

Rat myometrium plasma membrane showed a number of 45Ca-binding proteins as identified by gel electrophoresis. An attempt was made to identify these either by studying the inhibition of this binding by several ions or by studying binding of these proteins to calmodulin, A9 an antibody against skeletal muscle Ca-binding proteins and Stains-all. On the basis of the molecular weight, calmodulin binding and La-sensitivity of Ca-binding, the Ca-binding protein at 137 +/- 2 kDa has been identified as the Ca-pump. This protein as judged from Coomassie blue staining forms a very small percentage of the proteins present in the plasma membrane.

Demarcation of Ca2+ transport processes in guinea pig stomach smooth muscle

Microsomal fractions were isolated from gastric antrum and fundus smooth muscle of guinea pigs. Ca2+ uptake into and Ca2+ release from the membrane vesicles were studied by a rapid filtration method, and Ca2+ transport properties of the different regions of the stomach were compared. ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was similar in microsomes isolated from both regions. This uptake was increased by oxalate and was not affected by NaN3. Oxalate affected Ca2+ permeability of both antrum and fundus microsome vesicles similarly. Fundus microsome vesicles preincubated in 100 mM NaCl and then diluted to 1/20 concentration with Na+-free medium had significantly higher ATP-independent Ca2+ uptake than vesicles preincubated in 100 mM KCl and treated the same way. This was not true for antrum vesicles. Monensin abolished Na+-dependent Ca2+ uptake, and NaCl enhanced Ca2+ efflux from fundus microsome vesicles. The halflife values of Ca2+ loss from fundus vesicles in the presence of NaCl were significantly smaller than those in the presence of KCl. The release of Ca2+ from the vesicles within the first 3 min was accelerated by NaCl to three times that by KCl. However, NaCl had no effect on Ca2+ release from antrum microsome vesicles. Results suggest two distinct mechanisms of stomach membrane Ca2+ transport: (1) ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake and (2) Na+-Ca2+ exchange; the latter in the fundus only.

Isolation and characterization of plasma membranes from bovine carotid arteries

A plasma membrane fraction from bovine carotid arteries has been isolated by extraction of a crude microsomal fraction with a low-ionic-strength buffer containing ATP and Ca2+. This step was followed by sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation in the presence of 0.6 M KCl. The plasma membrane vesicles were enriched 60- to 80-fold in Na+-K+-adenosinetriphosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, and phosphodiesterase I activities. The final yields of these marker enzymes were 12-18% of the total activities in the postnuclear supernatant, and the protein yield was 100-120 micrograms/g wet wt of carotid arteries. Contamination of the plasma membrane fraction by mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum was low as judged by low activities of succinate--cytochrome-c reductase and NADPH--cytochrome-c reductase, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation with smooth muscle-specific actin antibodies showed that the plasma membrane fraction was substantially free from myosin and actin contamination. The plasma membrane vesicles accumulated Ca2+ in the presence of ATP, and the accumulation was increased by calmodulin. Ca2+ accumulated in the presence or absence of calmodulin could be released almost completely from the vesicles by the addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 but not by ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid, indicating that Ca2+ uptake in the presence of ATP is intravesicular. The effects of phosphate and oxalate on Ca2+ uptake in the plasma membranes were different from one another. Phosphate increased Ca2+ uptake in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and the increase in Ca2+ uptake could be observed as early as 1 min. On the other hand, oxalate at concentrations up to 5 mM did not increase Ca2+ uptake significantly during the 30-min incubation. These plasma membranes can prove useful for the study of ion transport across plasma membranes, hormone binding, characterization of calcium channels, and preparation of antibodies against plasma membrane proteins.

Some properties and mechanisms of thymol-induced release of calcium from the calcium-store in guinea-pig taenia caecum

The properties and mechanisms of Ca release induced by thymol from the intracellular Ca-store in the guinea-pig taenia caecum were investigated and compared with those by carbachol, using an intact muscle and a microsomal fraction. In Ca, Na-free, EGTA-containing K-solution, a transient contraction was evoked by each drug, and carbachol produced the contraction following treatment with thymol; however, a reversed sequence did not. The efflux of preloaded 45Ca in the presence and absence of ATP from taenia microsomes was accelerated by increasing concentrations of Ca ions outside. The minimal concentration to stimulate 45Ca-efflux was below 0.2 microM in both cases, and the Km values for Ca ions in the presence and absence of ATP were estimated to be 0.65 microM and 2.0 microM Ca ions, respectively. Thymol, which has been reported to be one of the most potent stimulators of the Ca-induced Ca release in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle, enhanced the 45Ca-efflux from the taenia microsomes in the presence of ATP dose-dependently, and its mode of action seemed bimodal. That is, at 0.5 mM, thymol lowered the concentration of Ca ions which are needed to induce stimulation of 45Ca-efflux, whereas, at 1 mM, the stimulative effect of thymol on 45Ca-efflux was to augment the maximum rate of 45Ca-efflux, independent of concentrations of Ca ions. Carbachol (1 mM) did not have an effect on 45Ca-efflux with or without 0.1 mM GTP. In conclusion, the possibility has been suggested that in the guinea-pig taenia caecum, carbachol might release stored Ca ions via unknown pathway(s), whereas thymol directly releases Ca ions in a ATP-regulated fashion. Further, carbachol would be more efficacious for releasing stored Ca ions. Notwithstanding, the Ca-stores and/or the Ca-releasing mechanisms, which are utilized by both thymol and carbachol, seemed to share a common part(s) to some degree.

Identification of two populations of cardiac microsomes with nitrendipine receptors: correlation of the distribution of dihydropyridine receptors with organelle specific markers

Conventional sarcolemma and microsome preparations from rabbit and cat ventricular muscle were fractionated on continuous linear sucrose gradients. The distribution of nitrendipine receptors was compared with the distribution of organelle specific markers. For the conventional sarcolemma preparation, the dihydropyridine receptor distribution matched the pattern for external membrane markers in position and shape. The number of nitrendipine receptors was three times the number of muscarine binding sites (approximately 1.0 pmol/mg protein) at the isopycnic point of the vesicles. In contrast, two populations of vesicles with nitrendipine receptors were found in the microsome preparations. One population banded with the external membrane vesicles at a mean buoyant density of 24% (w/w) sucrose. The specific content of dihydropyridine receptors (0.2 pmol/mg) was 1/5 that for the muscarine receptors. The second and major population followed the distribution of an Mr 300K polypeptide, a marker for the junctional cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Muscarine receptors, however, were also present throughout that band, albeit at a reduced specific content (approximately 0.1 pmol/mg) compared to the light vesicles. The nitrendipine specific content increased over threefold from that of the light vesicles such that the relative content (nitrendipine/muscarine) was twice that determined for the conventional sarcolemma preparation. Nitrendipine receptors were not associated with nonjunctional SR or mitochondria. The light and heavy microsome populations were incubated with 0.2 mg digitonin/mg protein, a treatment which preferentially perturbs the isopycnic point of external membrane vesicles. For the light vesicles, the membranes with muscarine and nitrendipine receptors became heavier than the bulk of the SR. In contrast, after digitonin treatment of the heavy vesicle population, the nitrendipine and muscarine receptors and the SR marker appeared to comigrate into a sharpened band at 39% sucrose. The possibility that the dihydropyridine binding sites in the heavy microsome population are on external membrane vesicles physically linked to the junctional SR is discussed.

Vanadyl and vanadate inhibit Ca2+ transport systems of the adipocyte plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum

Vanadate and vanadyl have many insulin-mimetic effects on cellular metabolism and also have been shown to alter cellular Ca2+ fluxes. In this report, vanadate and vanadyl, like insulin, are shown to inhibit the plasma membrane (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase/Ca2+ transport system as well as Ca2+ transport by endoplasmic reticulum from rat adipocytes. Ca2+ transport by the endoplasmic reticulum was inhibited half-maximally (I50) by vanadate and vanadyl at concentrations of 30 and 33 microM, respectively. Inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca2+ transport by vanadate and vanadyl was less sensitive, with I50 values of 144 and 92 microM, respectively. These I50 values for plasma membrane Ca2+ transport were similar when measured under conditions of calmodulin-stimulated and non-calmodulin-stimulated Ca2+ transport. The predominant effect of both ions on the kinetic parameters of Ca2+ transport was a substantial decrease in the Vmax by 43-46% for both transport systems. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ following the inhibition of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase/Ca2+ pump in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum by these vanadium ions may result, at least in part, in the observed insulin-mimetic alterations in cellular metabolism.

Subcellular fractionation of pig coronary artery smooth muscle

A detailed procedure for subcellular fractionation of the smooth muscle from pig coronary arteries based on dissection of the proper tissue, homogenization, differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation is described. A number of marker enzymes and Ca2+ uptake in presence or absence of oxalate, ruthenium red and azide were studied. The ATP-dependent oxalate-independent azide- or ruthenium red-insensitive Ca2+ uptake, and the plasma membrane markers K+-activated ouabain-sensitive p-nitrophenylphosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase and Mg2+-ATPase showed maximum enrichment in the F2 fraction (15-28% sucrose) which was also contaminated with the endoplasmic reticulum marker NADPH: cytochrome c reductase, and to a small extent with the inner mitochondrial marker cytochrome c reductase, and also showed a small degree of oxalate stimulation of the Ca2+ uptake. F3 fraction (28-40% sucrose) was maximally enriched in the ATP- and oxalate-dependent azide-insensitive Ca2+ uptake and the endoplasmic reticulum marker NADPH: cytochrome c reductase but was heavily contaminated with the plasma membrane and the inner mitochondrial markers. The mitochondrial fraction was enriched in cytochrome c oxidase and azide- or ruthenium red-sensitive ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake but was heavily contaminated with other membranes. Electron microscopy showed that F2 contained predominantly smooth surface vesicles and F3 contained smooth surface vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The ATP-dependent azide-insensitive oxalate-independent and oxalate-stimulated Ca2+ uptake comigrated with the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum markers, respectively, and were preferentially inhibited by digitonin and phosphatidylserine, respectively. This study establishes a basis for studies on receptor distribution and further Ca2+ uptake studies to understand the physiology of coronary artery vasodilation.

Ca-pumps in smooth muscle: one in plasma membrane and another in endoplasmic reticulum

For several years it has been debated whether the Ca-pump in smooth muscle is located in the plasma membrane or in the endoplasmic reticulum (alias sarcoplasmic reticulum). Experimental evidence using skinned smooth muscle cells and subcellular membrane fractions isolated from a number of smooth muscles is reviewed here to hopefully resolve this issue. The inescapable conclusion is that there are two modes of nonmitochondrial ATP-dependent Ca-transport. The first one, unaffected by oxalate, is localized in the plasma membranes and the second, potentiated by oxalate, is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Clear experiments to delineate the roles of the two pumps in the excitation-contraction cycle of the smooth muscle remain to be conducted.

Subcellular localization of [3H]-nitrendipine binding sites in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle

The binding of [3H]-nitrendipine was studied in microsomal fractions isolated from guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle. Only one class of specific binding sites was detected, with a KD of 0.4 nM. For various dihydropyridine derivatives, including the stereoisomers of nimodipine and the 'Ca agonist' Bay K 8644, the potency for inhibition of [3H]-nitrendipine binding correlated well with the reported pharmacological potency in smooth muscle preparations. To establish the subcellular localization of [3H]-nitrendipine binding sites, untreated and digitonin-treated microsomal fractions were subfractionated by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation. The density distribution of [3H]-nitrendipine binding was markedly shifted by digitonin towards higher densities, as were the distributions of 5'-nucleotidase and [3H]-ouabain binding, whereas the distributions of NADPH:cytochrome c reductase and NADH:cytochrome c reductase were hardly modified by digitonin. It is concluded that most, if not all, [3H]-nitrendipine binding sites in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle are present in the plasma membrane, in agreement with the postulated mode of action of dihydropyridines as inhibitors of plasmalemmal Ca channels.

Calcium mobilization in enzymically isolated single intact and skinned muscle cells of the porcine coronary artery

The mobilization of 45Ca2+ was investigated in collagenase-treated single smooth muscle cells of the porcine coronary artery. After removal of extracellular 45Ca2+ by 10 mM-EGTA at 0 degree C, the content of exchangeable Ca2+ was estimated to be 0.42 +/- 0.02 nmol/2 X 10(5) cells at rest and 0.62 +/- 0.03 nmol/2 X 10(5) cells in 102.5 mM-external K solution. The efflux of 45Ca2+ into Ca2+-free solution, estimated from the 45Ca2+ remaining in the cells, increased temperature dependently and was reduced by oligomycin. The muscle cells at rest had a substantial amount of stored Ca2+ which was releasable by caffeine or acetylcholine. Saponin-treated (skinned) muscle cells accumulated 45Ca2+ in the presence of Mg ATP. Two mechanisms of ATP-dependent Ca2+ sequestration were observed: one exhibited a low affinity for Ca2+ but a high-capacity uptake which was sensitive to sodium azide; this was thought to be located in the mitochondria. The other had a high-affinity (1.5/microM) and low-capacity uptake (0.92 nmol/2 X 10(5) cells), which was insensitive to sodium azide, potentiated by oxalate and was thought to be mainly mediated via the sarcoplasmic reticulum (s.r.). The minimum concentration of free Ca2+ required for the ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the saponin-treated cells was about 20 nM by the s.r. and 1 microM by the mitochondria. Thus, the mitochondria seem to play a minor role in regulating cytoplasmic Ca2+ during the contraction-relaxation cycle. These results indicate that enzymically isolated muscle cells are functionally intact, and may facilitate direct measurement of Ca2+ movements when attempting to estimate the physiological role of Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscles.

Subcellular fractionation of pig stomach smooth muscle. A study of the distribution of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity in plasmalemma and endoplasmic reticulum

Isolated membrane vesicles from pig stomach smooth muscle (antral part) were subfractionated by a density gradient procedure modified in order to obtain an efficient extraction of extrinsic proteins. By using this method in combination with digitonin-treatment, an endoplasmic reticulum fraction contaminated with maximally 10 to 20% of plasma membranes was isolated, together with a plasma membrane fraction containing at most 30% endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane fractions differed in protein composition, reaction to digitonin, binding of wheat germ agglutinin, activities of marker enzymes and in the characteristics of the Ca2+ uptake. The Ca2+ uptake by the endoplasmic reticulum was much more stimulated by oxalate than the uptake by plasma membranes. Both fractions showed a (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity, but the largest amount of this enzyme was present in the plasma membranes. The study of the phosphorylated intermediates of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed two phosphoproteins one of 130 kDa and one of 100 kDa (Wuytack, F., Raeymaekers, L., De Schutter, G. and Casteels, R. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 693, 45-52). The 130 kDa enzyme was predominant in the fraction enriched in plasma membrane whereas the distribution of the 100 kDa polypeptide correlated with the endoplasmic reticulum markers. The 130 kDa ATPase was the main 125I-calmodulin binding protein detected on nitrocellulose blots of proteins separated by gel electrophoresis. The (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity of the plasma membranes was higher than the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, suggesting that the Ca2+ extrusion from these cells depends much more on the activity of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase than on Na+-Ca2+ exchange.

Electrogenic calcium transport in plasma membrane of rat pancreatic acinar cells

ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake was investigated in purified plasma membranes from rat pancreatic acinar cells. Plasma membranes were purified by four subsequent precipitations with MgCl2 and characterized by marker enzyme distribution. When compared to the total homogenate, typical marker enzymes for the plasma membrane, (Na+,K+)-ATPase, basal adenylate cyclase and CCK-OP-stimulated adenylate cyclase were enriched by 43-fold, 44-fold, and 45-fold, respectively. The marker for the rough endoplasmic reticulum was decreased by fourfold compared to the total homogenate. Comparing plasma membranes with rough endoplasmic reticulum, Ca2+ uptake was maximal with 10 and 2 mumol/liter free Ca2+, and half-maximal with 0.9 and 0.5 mumol/liter free Ca2+. It was maximal at 3 and 0.2 mmol/liter free Mg2+ concentration, at an ATP concentration of 5 and 1 mmol/liter, respectively, and at pH 7 for both preparations. When Mg2+ was replaced by Mn2+ or Zn2+ ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was 63 and 11%, respectively, in plasma membranes; in rough endoplasmic reticulum only Mn2+ could replace Mg2+ for Ca2+ uptake by 20%. Other divalent cations such as Ba2+ and Sr2+ could not replace Mg2+ in Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake into plasma membranes was not enhanced by oxalate in contrast to Ca2+ uptake in rough endoplasmic reticulum which was stimulated by 7.3-fold. Both plasma membranes and rough endoplasmic reticulum showed cation and anion dependencies of Ca2+ uptake. The sequence was K+ greater than Rb+ greater than Na+ greater than Li+ greater than choline+ in plasma membranes and Rb+ greater than or equal to K+ greater than or equal to Na+ greater than Li+ greater than choline+ for rough endoplasmic reticulum. The anion sequence was Cl greater than or equal to Br greater than or equal to 1 greater than SCN greater than NO3 greater than isethionate greater than cyclamate greater than gluconate greater than SO2(4) greater than or equal to glutarate and Cl- greater than Br greater than gluconate greater than SO2(4) greater than NO3 greater than 1 greater than cyclamate greater than or equal to SCN, respectively. Ca2+ uptake into plasma membranes appeared to be electrogenic since it was stimulated by an inside-negative K+ and SCN diffusion potential and inhibited by an inside-positive diffusion potential. Ca2+ uptake into rough endoplasmic reticulum was not affected by diffusion potentials. We assume that the Ca2+ transport mechanism in plasma membranes as characterized in this study represents the extrusion system for Ca2+ from the cell that might be involved in the regulation of the cytosolic Ca2+ level.

Characterization of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by canine brain microsomes with saponin

ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by brain microsomes was classified into two fractions according to the sensitivity to saponin. Properties of each fraction of Ca2+ uptake were examined and compared with those of inside-out membrane vesicles of erythrocyte and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. The concentration of saponin for 50% inhibition (IC50) of major saponin-sensitive Ca2+ uptake was 11 micrograms/ml, and this uptake was enhanced by calmodulin. The minor saponin-insensitive Ca2+ uptake fraction (IC50; 90 micrograms/ml) was not affected by calmodulin but was enhanced by oxalate or 0.1 M KCl. The IC 50 of saponin for inside-out membrane vesicles of erythrocyte and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum was 11.3 and 114.8 micrograms/ml, respectively. A characteristic ring-like saponin-cholesterol micellar structure was observed electron microscopically in most membrane vesicles of brain microsomes and erythrocyte membrane vesicles but not in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. These observations indicate that saponin-sensitive and insensitive Ca2+ uptake was derived from plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. Saponin proved useful for distinguishing the Ca2+ transport activity of plasma membrane from the Ca2+ uptake of other cellular organelles in the membrane preparations.

Properties of the Ca-pumping ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum from vascular smooth muscle

A microsomal fraction enriched in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes has been isolated from bovine aorta smooth muscle. The properties of the Ca-pumping ATPase were compared to those of the enzymes of skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. The kinetic (Km and turnover rate) and structural (tryptic digestion pattern) properties of the three ATPases were strikingly similar. The three enzymes, however, displayed (almost) no immunological cross-reactivity. Skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and aorta microsomes did not contain phospholamban: their Ca-pumping activity was not regulated by either a cAMP-dependent or a calmodulin-dependent pathway.